Arab, Jordanian in France

Introduction / History

Jordan is at the crossroads of the Middle East and has served to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe as a conduit for trade and communications from ancient times until now. In 1920, Jordan was established under the name "Transjordan" as a British mandate, and Abdullah I was made king. Jordan was granted independence from the British in 1946, when the name of the country was officially changed to the "Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan." King Hussein ruled from 1953 until his death in February of 1999. His eldest son, King Abdullah II assumed the throne.
In 1948, thousands of Palestinians were displaced from their homelands and became refugees in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Jordan lost the West Bank, which resulted in the displacement of large numbers of these refugees into Jordan, on the east side of the Jordan River. Today more than half of the total population of Jordan is Palestinian, many as refugees. Most have the rights of Jordanian citizenship, and little distinction is made between them and native Jordanian Arabs. These two Arabic speaking peoples are becoming almost indistinguishable.
Jordanian Arabs began to come to France after WWII, and since that time, they have become well settled with new lives and careers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Along with other Arabs, Jordanian Arabs in France live in ghettos in Paris, Marseille, and other urban centers. Arab Muslims are not fully integrated into French society because of their social isolation. There are many Arabic speaking peoples in France, and the Jordanians are among the smallest. They have to adjust to other Arabic speakers and the French majority.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Jordanian Arabs are Sunni Muslims, but some are rather secular. Christians account for a small percentage of the Jordanian population, but they are usually traditional Christians rather than evangelical. Their form of Christianity focuses more on their own culture and traditions than it does on Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Like members of religious groups all over the world, Jordanian Muslims equate “Christianity” with a worldwide political system. The finished work of Jesus Christ and his blessings for this life and the life to come get ignored.

What Are Their Needs?

Jordanian Arab Muslims need the hope of the resurrection. There can only be a good resurrection by siding with Jesus Christ and allowing him to rule them as king.

Prayer Points

Ask God to protect the small number of evangelical believers and help them to grow strong in him.
Pray that Jordanian Muslims in France will see the glory of the Lord and respond to him with loving devotion.
Pray for a transformational Disciple Making Movement to emerge in France among the Arabic speaking peoples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project